External Microphone for 5D Mark II (Video)?

My apologies if this has already been discussed in another thead in depth. I did a search.

What are folks using for an external microphone on the 5D mark II. I have started to play around a bit with the camera on a tripod recording my daughter etc. (Video)

The built in microphone is great for things in front of the camera, else it records nothing behind the camera. Also it has a hollow small mic sound to it.

I was looking at getting a Microphone like the Seinhiesser MKE-400 for the hotshoe via the stereo plug. But the reviews on BHphoto for the mic on the Mark II are not flattering. So I may reconsider.

Any microphone suggestions?

I use the Canon Directional Stereo Mic (DM 50) for my HG10 HDD camcorder, but I'm not sure whether this would work with the camera. But you're doing the right thing by looking for a mic. The built-in microphone will pick up hollow wind sound so bad that you'll be covering your ears upon replay. Even when the condition is just slightly windy, the camera mic will exaggerate that about 10 times. My DM 50 gets rid of that problem really effectively. Whenever I'm shooting outdoors -- regardless of the level of windiness -- I use it to get rid of any annoying sounds being picked up by ex mic.

The DM-50 won't work on the 5D II, it can support the mic in the hotshoe but you need a mic that support the 3.5mm stereo plug cable on the side of the camera for use.

But the DM 50 type of idea is what I was looking for, so I wouldn't have to hold a mic in my hand while using it.

Did you ever find something that would work?

msako wrote in post #7043179
Did you ever find something that would work?

I have not.

I have some in a wish list at BHPhoto that I found online in blogs, but I have not spent my coin on any of the offerings on the net. I'm still interested if others are using one they really are happy with.

I simply don't shoot video enough to try them all.

OK. What ones are on your wishlist? I will be using it in about 2 weeks and would like to get something prior to that. I don't want to invest a lot of money on something that might hiss or not be appropriate. I might just go to Radio Shack and buy something cheap to get by. If it doesn't work I'm not out that much.

I checked Radio Shack today. They have nothing worth looking at. Did more online checking. Found this:

http://www.usa.canon.c​om …tID=249&article​TypeID=125

They recommend the following:

Commercially available electret condenser type external microphones are recommended for best results. However, dynamic type or condenser type external microphones that require phantom power cannot be used.

Now strongly considering this:

http://www.azdencorp.c​om …uctid=93733&cat​=22&page=1

Why? From the specs the "electret condenser type" matches and the street price is acceptable to me:

Technical Specs:
Type: Stereo Electret Condenser
Frequency Response: 100-18,000Hz
Sensitivity: -40dB @1kHz (1V/Pa)
Output Impedance: 1.5 k ohm @ 1kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 60dB (1kHz @ 1Pa)
Dynamic Range: 66dB
Power Supply: 1.5VDC ("AAA" size battery) - not included
Max. SPL: 100dB
Battery Current Drain: 0.5mA
Battery Life: 400 hours with Alkiline battery
Weight w/o battery: 52g
Dimensions: 177mm long - 18.2mm diameter
Output cable: attached with 3.5mm plug
Supplied Accessories: Camera hot-shoe mic holder, windscreen

I need something soon because I'm leaving town in less than a few weeks so I figured I'd gamble that this one will work. It's a little long at 17.7cm but it may actually look cool, who knows?

One more thing, just in case it busts out on the 5DMkII some reviews says it works killer well when connected to a computer as a microphone for Skype or other application. That's a huge bonus because I can use it for Skype while I'm on the road.

msako wrote in post #7050490
One more thing, just in case it busts out on the 5DMkII some reviews says it works killer well when connected to a computer as a microphone for Skype or other application. That's a huge bonus because I can use it for Skype while I'm on the road.

Let us know how it works for you. The price is certainly right at $69.95 at B&H

This looks quite promising. Lot cheaper than my Canon Directional Stereo Mic (DM 50), too.

Interestingly, while many now owns the 5DII and have used its video feature, I haven't heard any complaints about the hissing sound that the built-in micro would most certainly pick up when shooting outdoors even with a slight breeze. Are the 5DII owners just ignoring this problem?

Rode shotgun mic.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …&Q=&IC=ROVM&A=R​etrieveSku

This one is not stereo? I need stereo because I plan to be filming high speed train drive throughs and I wanted to have the stereo effect if possible.

dshankar wrote in post #7052779
Rode shotgun mic.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …&Q=&IC=ROVM&A=R​etrieveSku

I believe that early adopters of the 5DMkII are not very interested in the video capability. I know I'm not that interested except for the fact that I don't need to have a separate video camera with me in case I want to shoot video.

SYS wrote in post #7052761
This looks quite promising. Lot cheaper than my Canon Directional Stereo Mic (DM 50), too.

Interestingly, while many now owns the 5DII and have used its video feature, I haven't heard any complaints about the hissing sound that the built-in micro would most certainly pick up when shooting outdoors even with a slight breeze. Are the 5DII owners just ignoring this problem?

msako wrote in post #7046312
OK. What ones are on your wishlist? I will be using it in about 2 weeks and would like to get something prior to that. I don't want to invest a lot of money on something that might hiss or not be appropriate. I might just go to Radio Shack and buy something cheap to get by. If it doesn't work I'm not out that much.

The RODE and Sennheiser MKE-400 were on my wish lists. Anything for less that may work better is fine by me.

MrChad wrote in post #7053349
The RODE and Sennheiser MKE-400 were on my wish lists. Anything for less that may work better is fine by me.

msako wrote in post #7053033
This one is not stereo? I need stereo because I plan to be filming high speed train drive throughs and I wanted to have the stereo effect if possible.

Both of you guys - read this: http://blog.vincentlaf​oret.com …he-5d-mkii-part-ii-audio/
It may help in your decision.